SMPD Reminds Residents Of 2020 Blue Santa Program Deadline

The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) announce that the application process for the 2020 SMPD Blue Santa Program is open and applications will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 20.

Applications are available in English and Spanish and may be found online at https://sanmarcostx.gov/496/Apply or picked up at the Health & Human Services Department, 1901 Dutton Dr. C, San Marcos or at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 IH 35 S. 

“Over the past 48 years, SMPD’s Blue Santa program and the San Marcos Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association have provided toys for up to 350 local families, which includes nearly 1,500 children, who might not otherwise have gifts for Christmas,” said Laray Taylor, SMPD Corporal and the organizer of the SMPD Blue Santa Program. “It’s been a challenging year for this community and we’re excited to be able to continue this valuable program and thank our donors and volunteers for their generosity.”

Applicants should review the application carefully before submitting and then watch for a postcard in the mail containing detailed instructions about the drive-thru distribution. 

Due to COVID-19 precautions, all packages must be picked-up; there will be no gift deliveries this year.  If residents have special circumstances that would hinder gift pick-up, please contact Corporal Taylor at ltaylor@sanmarcostx.gov or 512.754.2270.

Blue Santa Toy distribution location and dates:

750 Barnes Drive Suite 100 (between Target and JCPenney)

• Friday, Dec. 11 Pick-up          10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 Pick-up      10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Unfortunately, we’re unable to hold our traditional Blue Santa gift wrapping events this year due to COVID-19,” continued Taylor. “We’ll miss sharing Christmas with all those who participate each year and we hope to be gift wrapping together again in 2021.”

SMPD also assists gift-giving efforts for organizations including the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Family and Child Protective Services, the Children’s and Women’s Shelters, Centro Cultural Center kids program and the Southside Community Center.

The SMPD Blue Santa Program is the largest Christmas toy giveaway in San Marcos each year.

Donations continue to be accepted through PayPal, or check, which can be made out to:

The San Marcos Police Department

2300 Interstate 35 S

San Marcos, TX 78666

Attn. San Marcos CPAAA Blue Santa Account

All donated funds will be used to purchase toys.